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AAA Northeast

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AAA projects 72.2 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home over the Independence Day holiday period from Saturday, June 28, to Sunday, July 6. This year’s domestic travel forecast is an increase of 1.7 million travelers compared to last year and 7 million more than in 2019.

“Summertime is one of the busiest travel seasons, and July Fourth falling on a Friday creates a long weekend that many are taking advantage of,” said Robert Sinclair of AAA Northeast. “Following Memorial Day’s record forecast, AAA is seeing strong demand for road trips and air travel over Independence Day week.” 

By car: AAA projects a record 61.6 million people will travel by car, 1.3 million more road travelers and a 2.2% increase compared to last year.

Last July Fourth week, AAA responded to nearly 700,000 emergency roadside assistance calls for issues including dead batteries and flat tires. AAA recommends getting routine vehicle maintenance ahead of your trip and packing an emergency kit. Especially over the busy holiday weekend, AAA urges drivers to watch for stopped vehicles and Slow Down, Move Over for emergency responders.

For travelers renting cars, AAA car rental partner Hertz says Thursday, July 3, is expected to be the busiest day to pick up vehicles.

By air: The number of people traveling by air is also projected to set a record. AAA expects 5.84 million travelers will fly to their destinations, a 1.4% increase over the previous record set last year.

Round-trip domestic flights cost 4% more than last year, according to AAA data on what travelers paid when they booked their July Fourth trips. When booking last-minute flights for summer trips, consider flying on a Tuesday or Wednesday for the best deals.

By other modes: AAA projects 4.78 million people will travel by bus, train or cruise, a 7.4% increase from last year. Cruising is leading this category, particularly at this time of year, when Alaska cruise season is in full swing.

AAA’s Top Independence Day Destinations

The top holiday destinations listed below are based on AAA booking data for the Independence Day travel period. Cruises, beaches and fireworks are the main motivators for travelers heading to these cities. Alaska cruises are in peak season, Florida and Hawaii are in high demand for their resorts and attractions, and New York and Boston host two of the most popular fireworks shows in the nation.

 

DOMESTIC INTERNATIONAL
Orlando, Florida Vancouver, Canada
Seattle Rome
New York City Paris
Anchorage, Alaska London
Fort Lauderdale, Florida Barcelona, Spain
Honolulu Dublin
Denver Amsterdam
Miami Calgary, Canada
Boston Athens, Greece
Atlanta Lisbon, Portugal

 

Best & Worst Times to Drive

Wednesday, July 2, and Sunday, July 6, are expected to be the busiest days on the road, according to INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights. With afternoon hours predicted to be the most congested, drivers are encouraged to hit the road in the morning to avoid the worst anticipated traffic.

Best and Worst Times to Travel by Car
Date Worst Travel Time Best Travel Time
Saturday, June 28 12-5 p.m. Before 10 a.m.
Sunday, June 29 2-4 p.m. Before 11 a.m.
Monday, June 30 2-6 p.m. Before 12 p.m.
Tuesday, July 1 3-6 p.m. Before 2 p.m.
Wednesday, July 2 12-9 p.m. Before 12 p.m.
Thursday, July 3 2-6 p.m. Before 12 p.m.
Friday, July 4 12-7 p.m. Before 12 p.m.
Saturday, July 5 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Before 11 a.m.
Sunday, July 6 12-6 p.m. Before 11 a.m.

SOURCE: INRIX

AAA Northeast is a not-for-profit auto club with offices in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, New Hampshire and New York, providing nearly 6.8 million local AAA members with travel, insurance, financial and auto-related services.

 

 

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With summer-like temperatures in the forecast this week, AAA Northeast is sounding the alarm that vehicular heatstroke can happen quickly — especially given that child deaths inside hot cars increased by nearly 35% last year.

In 2024, 39 children died in hot cars across the U.S., according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, including a 2-month-old infant who died on a 77-degree June day. That’s a significant increase over 2023, when 29 children succumbed to vehicular heatstroke. On average, 37 children die each year because of vehicular heatstroke.

The inside of a car can become lethally hot even on a cool but sunny day: Although most deaths occur when temperatures exceed 80 degrees, a child has succumbed to vehicular heatstroke in 70- to 80-degree temperatures in each of the past 11 years. A child died of heatstroke in Rossville, Georgia in January, 2016 when the outside air temperature was 52 degrees.

On a typical 80-degree summer day, the interior temperature of a vehicle climbs by 20 degrees in only 10 minutes and reaches a deadly 109 degrees in 20 minutes. On hotter days, the interior temperature can easily reach 120- to 140-degrees, and cracking the windows has little effect.

“While every family wants to believe this could never happen to them, the reality is a child dying from vehicular heatstroke is an unimaginable tragedy that can happen to any family,” said Robert Sinclair of AAA Northeast. “We urge families to take action to ensure children’s safety. Establish firm guidelines about heatstroke safety with family members and caregivers and put processes in place to ensure children — and pets — are never left behind. In some cases, a sticky note affixed to the steering wheel or a smartphone screen can help prevent a fatality.”

To prevent hot car deaths, AAA Northeast recommends caregivers practice the following:

Stop and look at the backseat before exiting a parked vehicle. Make it a habit to check the entire vehicle before locking the doors and walking away. Place personal items, like a purse or briefcase, on the floor in the back seat as another reminder to look before you lock. Ask childcare providers to immediately call if your child doesn’t show up for care as expected and always seek confirmation that your child was removed from the vehicle safely by anyone transporting them — including spouses, grandparents, other family members and close friends.

Lock your vehicle to prevent unsupervised access and a child getting trapped inside. Keep car keys away from children and teach them that the inside of a car should never be used as a play area.

Act fast, call 911 and take action if you see a child alone in a locked car. A child in distress should be removed as quickly as possible.

Statistics about hot car deaths:

Over 52% of deaths are caused by a caregiver forgetting the child in the vehicle, according to NoHeatStroke.org. And it’s often not a parent: 29% of the deaths related to children forgotten in vehicles involve a caregiver other than a parent. Be especially vigilant whenever there is a change in your childcare or drop-off routine.

Nearly 22% of deaths result when a caregiver knowingly leaves a child in the car (typically to run a quick errand or let the child finish a nap). The majority of the temperature rise occurs within the first 15 to 30 minutes, and caregivers may mistakenly assume that cracking the windows is sufficient to cool and ventilate the vehicle.

Nearly 25% of cases are related to the child gaining access to the vehicle without adult supervision and becoming trapped in the vehicle. An innocent game of hide-and-seek can lead to such tragedies; often the child enters the vehicle and closes the door or trunk and cannot get out. It is important for all drivers, not just parents, to lock their vehicles in driveways and parking lots.

Statistics about pets dying in hot cars are not tracked as closely, but the American Veterinary Medical Association reports that every year, hundreds of pets die of heatstroke in parked vehicles. Exercise the same care with a pet as you would with a child.

AAA Northeast is a not-for-profit auto club with offices in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, New Hampshire and New York, providing nearly 6.8 million local AAA members with travel, insurance, financial and auto-related services.

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AAA projects 45.1 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home over the Memorial Day holiday period (Thursday, May 22 to Monday, May 26). This year’s domestic travel forecast is an increase of 1.4 million travelers compared to last year, and sets a new Memorial Day weekend record.

“Despite concerns over rising prices, many Americans are planning to take advantage of the holiday, even if the trips are closer to home,” said Robert Sinclair of AAA Northeast. “Long holiday weekend getaways don’t have to be extravagant, and having a day off from work and school allows many families to take a much-anticipated road trip.”

Memorial Day Travelers by Mode of Transportation

By Car: Road trips are driving the numbers this Memorial Day, with 87 percent of travelers choosing to drive. AAA projects 39.4 million people will travel by vehicle over the holiday weekend, an additional 1 million travelers compared to last year. Road trippers are benefiting from cheaper gas prices this year, with the average pump price in New York City down 68 cents from last year.

For drivers who are renting cars over Memorial Day weekend, AAA car rental partner Hertz says Friday, May 23 is expected to be the busiest day for pickup.

By Air: AAA projects 3.61 million domestic air passengers, a nearly two percent increase over last year when 3.55 million travelers took to the skies. AAA booking data shows domestic flights are two percent more expensive compared to last year, based on what travelers paid when booking Memorial Day weekend flights.

By Other Modes: Travel by other modes continues to steadily rise post-pandemic. AAA projects 2.08 million people will travel by train, bus or cruise over Memorial Day weekend, an 8.5 percent increase over last year. This category is now surpassing pre-pandemic numbers from 2018 and 2019 as cruising continues to boom; it doesn’t reach the record numbers of the early 2000s though, when many travelers opted for trains and buses rather than air travel.

Best and Worst Times to Drive 

Travelers hoping to avoid the heaviest traffic over the Memorial Day weekend should hit the road in the morning, according to transportation data provider INRIX. Boston/New York is among the metros that can expect the heaviest traffic.

Best and Worst Times to Travel by Car
Date Worst Travel Time Best Travel Time
Thursday, May 22 1-9 p.m. Before 12 p.m.
Friday, May 23 12-8 p.m. Before 11 a.m.
Saturday, May 24 2-6 p.m. Before 12 p.m.
Sunday, May 25 1-5 p.m. Before 1 p.m.
(Memorial Day)

Monday, May 26

 4-7 p.m. Before 2 p.m.

AAA’s Top Memorial Day Weekend Destinations

The top holiday destinations listed below are based on AAA booking data for trips between Thursday, May 22 and Monday, May 26. Orlando, Florida, tops the domestic list thanks to its popular theme parks and nearby cruise port, Port Canaveral. Cruising is also the reason Seattle and Anchorage, Alaska, made the top 10 list, since Memorial Day kicks off peak Alaska cruise season. Vancouver is also popular because of its cruise port. Internationally, Rome is the number one destination.

DOMESTIC INTERNATIONAL
Orlando, Florida Rome, Italy
Seattle Vancouver, British Columbia
New York City Paris, France
Las Vegas London, England
Miami Athens, Greece
San Francisco Dublin, Ireland
Anchorage, Alaska Barcelona, Spain
Chicago Southampton, England
Denver Amsterdam, Netherlands
Boston Edinburgh, Scotland

AAA Northeast is a not-for-profit auto club with offices in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, New Hampshire and New York, providing nearly 6.8 million local AAA members with travel, insurance, financial and auto-related services.

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Motorcycle deaths increase in the summer. METRO photo

AAA urges increased vigilance during Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

As warm weather finally blankets the Northeast, road users are getting out more — including motorcyclists. Unfortunately, this brings a sharp increase in fatal crashes involving motorcycles. An analysis by AAA Northeast of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data from the last decade found that almost 60% of motorcyclist fatalities occur between May and September.

Motorcyclist fatalities in the U.S. continue to trend dangerously upward. There were 6,335 motorcyclists killed in 2023, representing 15% of all traffic fatalities, according to NHTSA. This came despite motorcycles making up only one percent of all the miles traveled in the U.S. This was the highest number of motorcyclists killed since 1975, the earliest year of available data.

“The continued increase in motorcyclist fatalities is especially troubling given that most categories of traffic fatalities decreased from 2022 to 2023, while motorcyclist deaths continued their dangerous climb,” said Robert Sinclair of AAA Northeast. “As we all take to the roads more frequently during warmer weather, drivers must keep in mind that staying alert and aware is critical to improving safety, especially as motorcycles can be more difficult to see because of their size.”

NY: In New York, there were 188 fatal crashes involving motorcycles in 2023, according to the Institute for Traffic Safety Management and Research.

NJ: In New Jersey, there were 76 fatal crashes involving motorcycles in 2023, according to Numetric’s crash data repository.

CT: In Connecticut, there were 55 fatal crashes involving motorcycles in 2023, according to the Connecticut Crash Data Repository.

AAA offers the following tips for drivers:

  • Increase following distance and take extra care when driving behind a motorcycle, especially when stopping or accelerating.
  • Carefully check mirrors and blind spots for motorcycles, which are less visible than other vehicles on the road.
  • If a motorcyclist has their turn signal on, wait to make sure they actually turn before passing them. The turn signals on many motorcycles do not turn off automatically, so there’s a chance they could be activated from an earlier maneuver.
  • Never drive distracted. At 55 mph, taking your eyes off the road for just 5 seconds is equivalent to driving the length of a football field blindfolded.

AAA Northeast is a not-for-profit auto club with offices in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, New Hampshire and New York, providing nearly 6.8 million local AAA members with travel, insurance, financial and auto-related services.

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As of April 21, all local gasoline prices are a penny to three cents lower than a week ago, except Long Island which held steady, according to a report from AAA Northeast. The national average fell three cents.

The AAA Fuel Prices website shows today’s New York City average at $3.09 per gallon, a penny less than last week. Connecticut is also down one cent at $3.04. Long Island remains flat at $2.99. New Jersey is down three cents to $2.97.

Prices continue lower on weak demand. Last week, according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), Americans consumed just 8.46 million barrels of gasoline per day—a slight uptick of 37,000 barrels a day over the prior week, but still trailing 2024’s pace by roughly 200,000 barrels a day. Next week’s figures, which will include data encompassing the Easter holiday, will be closely watched by market analysts to see if demand breaks out of the spring doldrums.

“As demand has continued to stay soft, refiners have dialed back gasoline production to keep a floor beneath pump prices, which are the lowest for this time of year since 2021,” said Robert Sinclair of AAA Northeast. “Across the country, drivers are spending between 50 and 60 cents less per gallon than this time last year.”

On April 21, Mississippi and Tennessee have the lowest prices in the nation, at $2.68 and $2.70, respectively. California and Hawaii hold the highest prices in the nation this week at $4.84 and $4.50, respectively.

AAA Northeast is a not-for-profit auto club with offices in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, New Hampshire and New York, providing more than 6.5 million local AAA members with travel, insurance, financial and auto-related services.

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To mark National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, AAA Northeast is urging drivers to ditch the distractions to help combat the staggering number of distracted driving fatalities in the United States.

In 2022, 3,308 people were killed and 289,310 people were injured in U.S. traffic crashes involving a distracted driver, according to the latest data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The number of fatal crashes involving distraction (3,047) accounted for 8% of all fatal traffic crashes (39,221) in 2022.

In New York, between 2020 and 2024, there were more than 441,000 crashes involving a distracted driver, according to state crash data. Over 115,000 of the crashes resulted in an injury and nearly 600 were fatal.

NHTSA reports cellphone use — including texting, talking and social media use — is the most common form of distraction. Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for 5 seconds. At 55 mph, that’s the equivalent of driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed.

AAA research shows 93% of drivers surveyed in a recent study perceive texting, emailing and reading on a cellphone as extremely or very dangerous. However, many drivers still acknowledged engaging in the following risky behaviors in the prior 30 days:

  • Typing or sending a text or email: 27%
  • Reading a text or email: 37%
  • Holding and talking on a cellphone: 36%

“Any activity that takes your eyes off the road is a potential distraction and increases your risk of a crash,” said Robert Sinclair of AAA Northeast. “It’s imperative to give driving your full attention and ditch the distractions — because it could save a life.”

For teen drivers, AAA research has found talking or attending to other passengers in the vehicle is a top contributor to crashes.

AAA offers the following tips to keep drivers alert:

  • Avoid texting, emailing or scrolling through apps while driving, put your cellphone in the glove box, back seat or trunk of your vehicle until you arrive at your destination.
  • If you need to send a text immediately, pull over and park your car in a safe location.
  • Designate your passenger as your “designated texter” to respond to calls or messages.
  • If your driver is texting or otherwise distracted, call out their behavior. Remind them it’s unsafe and encourage them to focus on the road.

AAA Northeast is a not-for-profit auto club with offices in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, New Hampshire and New York, providing more than 6.5 million local AAA members with travel, insurance, financial and auto-related services.

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Photo courtesy of AAA Northeast Facebook

Starting two months from today — May 7 — travelers will need a REAL ID, Enhanced Driver License (EDL) or a REAL ID compliant credential to board domestic flights or enter certain federal buildings, according to a press release by AAA Northeast.

A REAL ID has a star in the upper right hand corner.

While a traditional license will remain a valid form of identification for driving purposes, domestic air travelers should ensure they possess a REAL ID or REAL ID compliant credential before finalizing travel plans. Although a valid, unexpired U.S. passport will remain acceptable by the Transportation Security Administration for domestic air travel, AAA recommends frequent domestic travelers upgrade their traditional license to REAL ID.

“The key to making the REAL ID process as smooth as possible is preparation and arriving at appointments with all the right documents,” said Robert Sinclair of AAA Northeast. “Travelers should also know that they do not need a REAL ID simply to purchase airline tickets after the deadline, but will need a REAL ID to board any domestic flight after May 7.”

What are the common challenges to getting a REAL ID?

  • REAL ID requires in-person physical and electronic verification of all documents.
  • Only original, unlaminated, unaltered and accurate documents are accepted. You will not be successful if you deviate from the STATE’S REAL ID checklist.
  • Documents cannot be issued from a church, hospital or nongovernment agency.
  • All name changes must be proven with legal documents from birth to current name if a person has had name changes. Therefore, people who have had changes in their name should bring all documents showing the name trail from their lawful presence/birth document to their current name on their driver license/state ID. These documents must be issued by a city or state; church marriage certificates cannot be used.
  • All Social Security documentation must show the person’s full name and full Social Security number. If you need a new Social Security card, visit SSA.gov to request a free replacement card.

What else is important to note?

  • A REAL ID does not replace a passport for international travel. For international travel, AAA offers its members passport photo services.
  • Travelers do not need a REAL ID to purchase airline tickets, even for trips after May 7. Travelers just need to have a REAL ID or REAL ID compliant credential to board a domestic flight after May 7.
  • Be wary of fake DMV/MVC websites that emulate official state websites and may contain incorrect information. Always look for websites that end in .gov — phony websites often pay to show up at the top of search results.

AAA Northeast is a not-for-profit auto club with offices in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, New Hampshire and New York, providing more than 6.5 million local AAA members with travel, insurance, financial and auto-related services.

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Only 13 percent of U.S. drivers indicated they’d feel safe riding in a self-driving or autonomous vehicle (AV). Photo courtesy of AAA

Drivers say they want better vehicle safety systems over self-driving cars.

Americans grew slightly less wary of self-driving vehicles over the past year, but an overwhelming majority still don’t trust riding in one, according to the latest AAA survey on autonomous vehicles.

Just 13 percent of U.S. drivers indicated they’d feel safe riding in a self-driving or autonomous vehicle (AV). That’s up from last year, when nine percent of drivers said they’d be comfortable. Despite the slight increase, 6 in 10 drivers still report being afraid to get into a vehicle that drives itself. 

For drivers, enhancing vehicle safety systems remains the priority — 78 percent of survey respondents listed advancements in safety systems as a top vehicle technology initiative. In contrast, the development of self-driving vehicles is a low priority as only 13 percent of drivers expressed interest in AV technology. 

“Most drivers are interested in advanced technology to enhance safety but still want to maintain control over their vehicles,” said Robert Sinclair of AAA Northeast. “When it comes to gaining consumer trust in self-driving vehicles, automakers face a long road ahead and as vehicle technology continues to evolve, educating consumers on safety standards is paramount.”

Robotaxis — self-driving vehicles used for taxi and ride-hail services — operate in several major cities. AAA’s survey found that 74 percent of drivers were aware of robotaxis, but more than half (53 percent) said they would choose not to ride in one. 

Interest in advanced driver assistance features (ADAS) continues to remain high. The survey found that 64 percent of U.S. drivers would “definitely” or “probably” want Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) on their next vehicle, 62 percent would want Reverse Automatic Emergency Braking, and 59 percent would want Lane Keeping Assistance. AAA advocates for a standard body of names for these systems to accurately describe their capabilities, limitations and to reduce consumer confusion.

AAA has conducted various tests to determine if the technology performs as expected. Research released by AAA in October 2024 showed significant AEB advancements, particularly at speeds up to 35 mph.  

AAA Northeast is a not-for-profit auto club with offices in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, New Hampshire and New York, providing more than 6.5 million local AAA members with travel, insurance, finance and auto-related services.

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New AAA research finds most fatal pedestrian crashes occur at night on busy roads

New research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reveals disturbing national trends in pedestrian fatalities which have risen 83% in the past 15 years. There were 7,522 fatalities nationwide in 2022, after reaching a historic low of 4,109 fatalities in 2009.

Almost the entire increase in pedestrian deaths happened on urban arterial roads after dark. These busy roads are typically built to quickly move a lot of traffic in urban and suburban areas while still allowing access to local streets. Examples of these roads include Hempstead Turnpike and Northern Boulevard with lots of pedestrians and vehicles,

Researchers uncovered that a disproportionate number of these pedestrian deaths occurred in socially and economically disadvantaged neighborhoods. Many residents in these areas depend heavily on walking, especially to reach public transportation. Cities and suburbs continue to grapple with several challenges when it comes to implementing the necessary infrastructure upgrades needed to make roads safer in these communities. AAA urges planners, public health professionals, legislators and traffic safety practitioners to work together to reverse these deadly trends.

The study also identified several interconnected factors in these crashes, including a lack of safe crossing locations, high pedestrian crossing volumes and poorly lit roads without continuous sidewalks.

“Reducing the spike in pedestrian deaths requires data-driven investments made where they can have maximum impact,” said Robert Sinclair of AAA Northeast. “Drivers and pedestrians alike must behave appropriately on the road. But, to truly move the needle on safety, policymakers must invest in road improvements in communities where adisproportionate number of pedestrians are hit and killed.”

AAA recommends a Safe System approach, which considers the need to address both human and infrastructure factors, reducing crash severity through safer roads, vehicles, speeds and road users.

AAA reminds drivers to do their part:

  • Rember to stay alert, follow speed limits, keep your smartphone out of reach and only drive when sober.
  • Do not rely on vehicle pedestrian detection systems to prevent crashes. This technology should only serve as a backup, not a replacement for an engaged driver.

Drivers are responsible for yielding to pedestrians, but those traveling on foot should also be vigilant. Pedestrians should use caution by staying on sidewalks and using crosswalks. Always obey traffic signals, look both ways before crossing the street and do not walk and text.

Read the full report here.    

AAA Northeast is a not-for-profit auto club with offices in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, New Hampshire and New York, providing more than 6.5 million local AAA members with travel, insurance, financial and auto-related services.

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AAA projects 19 million Americans will embark on ocean cruises this year, a 4.5 percent increase over 2024, when 18.2 million Americans set sail. This will be the third straight year of record cruise passenger volume.

“The cruise industry has rebounded post-pandemic more strongly than other travel segments, with cruise demand growth exceeding hotel demand growth in the last two years,” said Robert Sinclair of AAA Northeast. “There’s a reason so many first-time cruise passengers become repeat customers. Cruises offer something for travelers of every age and provide a cost-effective, all-inclusive option that allows cruisers to enjoy meals, drinks and activities without worrying about additional expenses.” 

In 2022, cruise volume rebounded to 84 percent of 2019’s level, then surged to a new high in 2023, nearly 20 percent above the pre-pandemic baseline. That number has continued to climb since, with 2025 projected to surpass 2019 by 34 percent.

Seeking Sunshine

Most U.S. cruise passengers (72%) are heading to the Caribbean, while 6% are taking Alaska cruises and 5% will cruise in the Mediterranean. The Caribbean’s dominance this year is on par with its pre-pandemic numbers in 2018 and 2019.

Shorter Caribbean cruises are rising in popularity. Even though most cruise itineraries are six to eight days, 18% of Caribbean cruise itineraries this year are 2 to 5 days, compared to only 2% in 2023. The three busiest cruise ports in the world are in the same state: Florida! Miami, Port Canaveral, and Fort Lauderdale are the busiest ports based on embarkation and debarkation. Miami landed the world’s largest cruise ship with the debut of Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas last year, and this summer, Port Canaveral welcomes the Icon’s sister ship, the equally large Star of the Seas.

Cruise Forecast Methodology 
In cooperation with AAA, Tourism Economics prepared the 2025 cruise forecast based on
scheduled cruise itineraries covering virtually all major cruise vessels, the economic outlook and
travel sector trends. This forecast relies on cruise-related analytics from Cruise IP (Tourism
Economics’ proprietary database for the cruise industry), economic forecasts prepared by Oxford
Economics and assumptions on the future path of the tourism industry.

In this analysis, U.S. cruise passenger volume refers to ocean cruises taken by U.S. residents. It
includes cruises that depart from U.S. or international ports.
—————————————–

You Booked a Cruise … Now What?!  

If you’re one of the 19 million Americans going on a cruise this year, AAA Travel has expert advice to ensure your trip is smooth sailing.

  • Reserve activities ahead of time. Whether it’s an excursion, specialty dinner, or spa treatment, your best bet is to reserve your spot ASAP. Popular cruise activities sell out fast! And while you’re planning ahead, consider getting travel insurance to protect your investment in case of a medical emergency or another interruption during your trip.
  • Arrive the day before. If you’re flying into your port city, arrive a day or two before your ship is scheduled to depart. That takes the stress out of worrying about flight delays and cancelations, and it gives you time to explore your departure city. AAA travel agents can help book your flight through the cruise line which can be a convenient way to plan your trip. When you purchase airfare through cruise lines like Carnival, Princess, and Royal Caribbean, they will assist in the event of a travel disruption and help with ground transportation and other arrangements. 
  • Pick your parking spot. If you’re driving to your port city, decide ahead of time where you will leave your car. Most cruise ports offer parking right at the terminal, but like airports, those spots come at a premium price. To save some money, look for off-site cruise port parking options that offer a shuttle service. Another option is to look for hotels near the cruise port that offer “park & cruise” options. These packages allow you to stay at the hotel the night before your cruise and park your car there while you’re gone. The hotel will then take you to the cruise port on departure day and pick you up once you return.   
  • Download the cruise line’s app. You can check in for your cruise through the app, review the itinerary, complete the mandatory lifeboat drill, look at the daily program, and in some cases, open your stateroom door, order food, make dinner reservations, and text your friends. Best of all, you don’t need the ship’s internet package to use cruise line apps – they are free to use onboard!
  • Do your homework before packing. Check your cruise line’s list of prohibited items ahead of your trip. From irons and steamers to certain foods and beverages, each company is different, so take the time to look up what you can and can’t bring onboard or your items will be confiscated.
  • Items that come in handy. If you’re going on a Caribbean cruise, sunscreen is a must and bringing it from home saves you money. In general, sundries onboard are more expensive. If you take prescription medications, bring extra in case there is a delay during your trip. Magnetic hooks are popular with passengers who need extra storage space. Since cruise cabin walls are made of metal, hooks come in handy for hanging swimsuits and towels. Colorful beach towel clips are also useful at the pool deck to not only keep your towel in place but help you identify your lounge chair when you come back from taking a dip!
  • Embarkation dos and don’ts. Some cruise lines have scheduled embarkation times. Do arrive at your assigned embarkation time. Don’t try to get there early and hope they will let you on – they likely won’t. Don’t pack your passport or birth certificate in your suitcase. Always have your documentation with you including a copy of your boarding pass. If you do not have proper identification when you are checking in at the pier, you will be denied boarding. If you check your suitcase with a porter, your bag may not arrive at your stateroom for a few hours. Pack a small carry-on with your swimsuit so you can change right away and start the fun! 
  • Having fun? Run it back! If you’re enjoying your vacation at sea, look for the future cruise office onboard to book your next trip. There are often special promotions like onboard credits on top of the regular cruise line offers for bookings made onboard. Your travel agent back home will also be notified about your new booking. Just don’t wait until the last minute. The office gets busier as the final day of the cruise approaches, so stop by early in the trip, or make an appointment if the office takes reservations.

AAA Northeast is a not-for-profit auto club with offices in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, New Hampshire and New York, providing more than 6.5 million local AAA members with travel, insurance, financial and auto-related services.

 

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